MI Air lab on wheels studies effect of fine pollution

EAST LANSING, MI – A new air quality lab on wheels will be making the rounds of southeastern Michigan to study the effects of small pollution particles that can kill or sicken people andlivestock.

Michigan State University veterinary professor Jack Harkema directs the work of the 53-foot, $400,000 converted semitrailer called AirCARE2.

The university says the goal is to study "fine and ultrafine particles in air pollution" known to increase death and illness among "susceptible people with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease."

University of Michigan cardiologist Robert Brook and atmospheric scientist Gerald Keeler are collaborating on the research, with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency.